Glaswegians have been advised to consider alternative services before heading to A&E this winter, as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde faces significant pressure.
The health board is also asking families to support NHS staff in helping discharge patients fit to come home at the earliest time possible. If a loved one is scheduled to be discharged, families should speak to the ward to arrange pickup before noon the same day.
Anyone with life-threatening or very urgent health concerns should always call 999 or go straight to your nearest A&E as normal.
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Patients with urgent but non-life threatening health concerns are being urged to consider one of the following alternatives before coming to A&E:
- Visit NHS Inform or speak to a pharmacist – No appointment is necessary and pharmacies can support with a vast range of minor ailments. The NHS Inform website also has a symptom checker and a range of health tips to manage injuries and illness at home
- Call your GP – Your GP practice team can provide treatment, advice and referrals for any urgent health concern which isn’t life-threatening and can be accessed over the phone, through video, or face-to-face
- Call NHS24 on 111– NHS24 can provide advice on a full range of injuries and illnesses as well as referring you on to NHSGGC’s virtual A&E which gives you access to telephone and video emergency care consultations from the comfort of home.
Only after trying all three of these alternative routes should a patient consider attending a physical A&E department.
Dr Scott Davidson, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Up and down the country, healthcare systems are facing unprecedented challenges. Within NHSGGC we have the busiest and biggest A&Es and assessment units in Scotland and our staff are working tirelessly to see and treat our patients as quickly as possible. However, despite this, pressure at A&E is at an all-time high.
“To support our frontline, we are urging people to avoid A&E where possible. It’s incredibly busy and you may face a long wait. Unless it’s very urgent or life-threatening, you will be seen appropriately and faster elsewhere. Think about your health concern and please first explore either going to your pharmacist, your GP, or contacting NHS24. Only after these pathways have been exhausted should you consider coming to an A&E. Follow this process to get the right care at the right time for yourself, and to support our NHS frontline staff during this challenging period.
“For those with loved ones set to come home from hospital, the earlier you can get arrangements in place to support their discharge, the better. We’re urging any families in this position to contact the ward to arrange to pick up their loved ones before noon or as soon after as possible. This will play an important role in freeing up bed space and supporting us to improve patient flow through the hospital.”
Full information on all alternatives to A&E can be found here.
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